Ryan FowlerTruck drivers and shunters employed by Wincanton on the JD Sports contract in Rochdale have secured a 10.75% pay rise in a deal agreed with Unite the union. The increase applies to over 50 workers and will remain in place until 31st March 2026.
The agreement includes a 4% uplift in base pay and the consolidation of a previously discretionary bonus into regular wages, effectively boosting overall pay packages.
Wincanton assumed responsibility for the JD Sports transport operation in 2024, handling deliveries to more than 560 retail stores nationwide.
Unite said it intends to use the Rochdale agreement as a benchmark for similar negotiations across other Wincanton-operated UK retail contracts. Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “This is a huge win for Unite workers in Rochdale. I’m delighted they are getting a deserved pay rise that recognises their hard work and contribution.”
Unite regional officer Mark Williams added: “Unite gained recognition for the workers last year. We have since managed to recruit more members as workers see what we are doing to improve the site, pay and working conditions.”
A spokesperson for Wincanton commented: “Following constructive discussions regarding this year’s pay negotiations, we are pleased to have reached agreement with Unite for colleagues based at our Rochdale site for the next 12 months. It is important to note that this agreement is based on a 4% increase in basic pay, plus an existing discretionary bonus which has been consolidated into base pay.”
This story first appeared on The Hualier.
